The Spa at Pinehurst Resort

Pinehurst Resort

The Spa at Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst

The size, history, and accessibility to the general public are what surprises guests most about the Spa at Pinehurst Resort. This Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Spa offers more than 50 therapies, from massage to facials, body treatments to hydrotherapy. Some incorporate the indigenous scents of the region, including pine and magnolia.

When the 31,000-square-foot, 28-treatment room facility opened in 2002, guests quickly realized this was far more than a typical resort spa. The stand-alone building sits directly adjacent to the historic Carolina Hotel of Pinehurst Resort, and blends so well with the landscape and historic structures that many think it has been there for a century. In truth, the Spa ties directly in with Pinehurst’s founding as a health resort, long before golf came to town.

The rich lobby, with native heart of pine walls leading to a cathedral ceiling, provides a gateway to the Spa’s many features: a full-service salon for manicures, pedicures and hairstyling, and a complete fitness center.

But the showstopper is the central Tranquility Area. The three-lane lap pool is treated with skin-friendly saline, and the cascade whirlpool relaxes guests before treatment time, surrounded by luxurious lounge chairs. Sky lights emit natural sun to create a warm atmosphere, where guests enjoy strawberry smoothies, herbal teas and infused health waters. The individual men’s and women’s locker rooms also contain tranquility areas with whirlpool, steam and sauna.

The menu of therapies ranges from short services to multi-treatment packages lasting many hours. Signature services include the “Heart of the Pines” body treatment (Pinehurst Resort guests only) and the “Champions Massage,” which includes a combination of hot stone and traditional massage with a pampering peppermint foot scrub and golf ball foot massage.

Bridal party packages and extensive spa services for men make this spa experience accessible to a wide range of visitors. With close proximity to boutique shops, galleries and haunts, the Spa, Pinehurst Resort, and the entire Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen area provide a perfect base for further exploration.

While the Spa is completely open to the public, guests staying at Pinehurst Resort on the “Luxury Spa” package receive both savings and added amenities. No matter which route you take, you receive full-day’s usage of the tranquility areas with the purchase of just one treatment. Spa menu items can be delivered poolside for lunch or any time of day.

Lynn Seldon is an Oak Island-based travel writer who loves covering his home state.